# Empiricism vs. Rationalism in A Pluralistic Universe

> Theme guide for A Pluralistic Universe by William James.

Contrasts the empirical method of explaining wholes by parts and valuing concrete experience with the rationalist method of explaining parts by wholes and prioritizing abstract, logical systems.

## Where it surfaces

- [Lecture VI: Bergson and His Critique of Intellectualism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_pluralistic_universe_se/chapters/lecture-vi-bergson-and-his-critique-of-intellectualism): James frames Bergson's philosophy as a return to empiricism, opposing the rationalist tradition that prioritizes fixed concepts over mutable experience.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_pluralistic_universe_se/themes/empiricism_vs_rationalism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_pluralistic_universe_se/themes